This week, the House Game and Fisheries Committee reported Senate Bill 737 out as amended by a vote of 25-2. Senate Bill 737 will now go to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Senate Bill 737, as amended, would eliminate the prohibition on semi-automatic rifles for hunting and allow for the Game Commission to regulate these sporting rifles for all game species in accordance with season and bag limits.

The use of semi-automatic shotguns for hunting has been legal for decades in Pennsylvania. Ending the prohibition on semi-automatic rifle hunting would provide Pennsylvania hunters the same opportunities and options enjoyed by hunters in the majority of other states.